5 Tips for Beginning LARPers

As a relative newbie to LARP, I’ve often wished I had known a few pointers here and there before I started.

So I’ve decided to put together a list of my 5 tips for beginning LARPers.

"It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to." – Bilbo Baggins

Dress up

Even if you don’t have a full blown costume, dressing up makes LARP more fun…for Everyone!

You can make a simple cloak, dust off an old Halloween costume (that fits the style of LARP you are playing!) or borrow something from a friend. Some LARPs even have costumes you can borrow if it’s your first game!

Choose your weapon...wisely!

When you are learning how to fight in LARP, the easiest weaponry to hold is a short sword and a shield. Shields make it easier to defend yourself on the battlefield while you are learning your new combat skills, making you more effective on the battlefield. (ie you don’t die)

The last thing you want to do is pick something that will be hard to hold and you won’t know how to wield, so make sure you pick something that you are comfortable with.

Accessorize

Part of the fun in LARP (besides creating a character) is accessorising!

I love finding the right pack of accessories to help tell my character’s story, as well as help carry things during the game. A small leather pouch on your belt loop is almost always essential for carrying coins, or other trinkets.

Also a small pen and notebook for writing spells or other important story info that you can refer to later on.

Bring water/snacks

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…bring water! Also a light snack to help keep you energised.

You’ll thank me later.

Know the rules

Above all else, read the rulebook and get to know the rules of your LARP. Most LARPs will have a rulebook online that you can read before your first game.

Knowing the rules will make the game more enjoyable, as well as keep the story telling more seamless.

The last thing you want to do is break character and ask someone what hit points mean, or what spell effects are!

Lauren Metzler aka Larp Lady is a Designer/Illustrator for Australian Radio Network.
She enjoys reading graphic novels, playing dnd, drawing comics about her adventures, and Battlestar Galactica. She’s a professional nerd, dnd player, and LARP enthusiast.
Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.